Abstract

The response of shear thickening fluids (STFs) under ballisticimpact has received considerable attention due to its field-responsive nature. While efforts have primarily focused on traditional ballistic fabrics impregnated with these fluids, the response of pure STFs to penetration has received limited attention. In the present study, the ballistic response of particle-based STFs is investigated and the effects of fluid density and particle strength on ballistic performance are isolated. It is shown that the loss of ballistic resistance in the STFs at higher impact velocities is governed by the material strength of the particles in suspension. The results illustrate the range of velocities over which these STFs may provide effective armor solutions.

Received 03 July 2012Accepted 29 January 2013Published online 12 February 2013

Acknowledgments:

The authors thank Jacques Blais of DRDC Valcartier for his assistance in conducting the experiments. This work was conducted with the support of Hamid Bennadi of Stedfast Ltd., NSERC, and the Department of National Defence under Project No. DNDPJ 385687-09.